And Here Come the Kids...

Hey, everybody. Keith here. You've probably already read about all the fun activities we did this weekend, but I'm here to tell you about what we really came to do: serve God and run an awesome camp program for about 70 ten and eleven year olds. Monday morning we piled onto the tractor and were driven out to Echo Cove where we would meet the campers. Keegan and I got a chance to put our knee-high, reinforced rubber boots to the test on the walk back, and we were very excited for that. I wanted to share a story of how I have seen God provide for our team already this trip, and how He has answered our prayers. Last year, Keegan and I met two campers who we really connected with and felt called to introduce them to Christ. That we did, and we have been able to maintain contact with them throughout the past year. Unfortunately, they had told us they were not planning on returning to camp. We were disappointed, because we have been looking forward to reuniting with them and really building on all that our team taught them last year. So we were resigned to the fact that they were not coming, and about halfway into the return walk from Echo Cove, one of the campers told us that the kids were here. Keegan was very skeptical and maintained that they were not here, because we had not seen them get off the bus. Wanting to make sure, Keegan takes off running behind me and to his surprise sees the kids cresting the hill. God had answered our prayers, as we have been earnestly praying that He would bring them back to camp by any means possible. Now we are praying that we will be able to reach them and build upon the lessons we gave them last year. The Junior Counselors all seem to be adjusting well to their cabins; we have experienced a few rowdy children but it is nothing that the task force of Stevie and Tommy can't handle. Speaking of them and "task", we had our first work crew project yesterday. At the sawmill by Cowie Creek, we were assigned the job of splitting wood and sorting out piles of scrap wood to provide for next year's firewood. After breaking out the axes and saws for a 1/2 hour or so, a few outdoorsmen sped up the river shouting "your boat! your boat is sinking!!!". SBC missionary Ray Fish's little runabout was filling up with water and slipping into the river, so we quickly helped him bail the water and right his boat. That problem solved and adventure complete, Keegan, Carol, Erica, Luke, Ray, and I went around camp using a chainsaw to trim trees and even cut a few down. FYI, when a tree falls in the forest, it does make a sound. And it's rather loud. So the work crew warriors stepped into the dining hall, coated in sap and with pine needles falling out of our hair. After dinner, our whole team (all who are not counseling) cleaned the dining hall and we plan on doing that after every meal henceforth. The campers had free time, so we took the opportunity to do worship rehearsal, think about some games for today, and nap. At 8 it was time for the first chapel session, and Keegan, Carol and the band led us in a six song set of fast-paced, interactive worship songs. Matt directed the first troupe (Hannah, Andy, and Tyler) in their first skit of the camp, performing a six minute piece on the power of prayer with more than a few comical lines. Tommy was set to begin his series on Treasure, but made the executive decision to share his life story for the first lesson. He did an awesome job, and succeeded in capturing their attention. Today he opened the series and is going to close his first lesson at Chapel tonight. Alas, it is time to run off and frolic in the forest (Cutting down trees and removing branches and other manual labor), but we ask for your continued prayers that Tommy would be able to communicate effectively and inspire the kids to learn more about what God has to say through him.